Simeon ten Holt

Dutch Minimalist Composer

Simeon ten Holt was a Dutch composer known for his minimalist style. Born on January 24, 1923, in Bergen, North Holland, he studied composition and piano at the Amsterdam Conservatory. His early work was influenced by serialism, but he later developed a personal style that moved away from strict structures. Ten Holt's most famous composition is "Canto Ostinato," which he completed in 1976. This piece for keyboard instruments is characterized by repetitive phrases and shifting patterns, allowing performers a degree of freedom in terms of duration and interpretation. The work gained significant popularity in the Netherlands and beyond, becoming a staple in the repertoire of minimalist music. Ten Holt continued to compose throughout his life, creating other notable works such as "Lemniscaat" and "Horizon." He passed away on November 25, 2012, leaving behind a legacy as one of the prominent figures in late 20th-century minimalist music.